Australian lawyers are renowned internationally for their experience, and they’re often sought after by international business and law firms. If you’re an Australian lawyer or solicitor looking to work overseas, here are some of the best countries that offer plenty of opportunities. There is a high demand for lawyers with experience in Australia. However, if you want to expand your career and take it outside of the country, consider these options:
Australian lawyers can work in many parts of the world. They are citizens of Australia, which is a member of the British Commonwealth of Nations as well as a former part of the British Empire. This means that they are able to practice law in any country that is also a member of these organizations.
What is an Australian lawyer?
An Australian lawyer is a person who has been admitted to the legal profession in Australia. The name may vary depending on whether the lawyer works in a solicitor or barrister/advocate capacity, as well as whether they’re working under the supervision of another lawyer.
Lawyer: This title can be used by lawyers when describing themselves, regardless of what type of law they practice or their level of experience.
Solicitor: This title is used generally within private practice law firms to describe someone who is admitted to practice before courts and tribunals, but not permitted to appear before juries or judges at trials. It’s also sometimes used as an honorific for retired solicitors who have held high offices within local government or community organizations.
Barrister/Advocate: In Australia, barristers are independent practitioners who specialises in criminal matters such as defending persons accused of crimes. Advocates are also independent practitioners; however, their area of specialty lies primarily with civil litigations within commonwealth jurisdictions such as federal courts and supreme courts across states e.g., Queensland.
Lawyer Or Solicitor?
When it comes to law, Australia is quite similar to the UK and US. Australian lawyers are either solicitors or barristers. Solicitor is the most common type of lawyer in Australia, as well as England and Wales; however, solicitor does not carry the same meaning in America where it is more often used synonymously with attorney which can be confusing.
In Australia, a solicitor must complete an undergraduate degree at university before completing a graduate diploma or master’s degree from an approved law school. This involves three years study for each degree component, after which you are eligible to apply for admission as an Australian legal practitioner.
How Can Australian Lawyers Work Overseas?
If you are an Australian lawyer, there are many options for where you can work overseas. As a top destination for international students and expats, Australia has a strong legal system that is respected throughout the world. The country’s reputation as one of the most stable countries in Asia Pacific makes it an attractive place for foreign lawyers who want to escape unstable or corrupt legal systems.
Australian lawyers are highly regarded internationally and have experience working with multinational companies based in Australia or operating across borders into Asia Pacific regions such as Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore which all have large populations of migrant workers from places like India and China who need assistance with immigration matters such as visas or migration applications.
There are many reasons why you might consider working outside of Australia, including:
Working in the same country as your family or friends if they’re already living there can be easier on your personal life than long-distance relationships. You may not have a visa option that allows you to stay in Australia permanently and want to explore other options if you don’t meet any criteria for applying for permanent residency. You might also be concerned about how long it will take before you qualify for permanent residency if you hadn’t previously lived here before.
It may seem like a good idea at first but then turn out differently when it comes down to practicalities such as how much money you need while moving overseas, whether there is housing available where ever they live etcetera – so do your research.
Where Can Australian Lawyers Work Overseas?
There is a high demand for lawyers with experience in Australia. However, if you want to expand your career and take it outside of the country, consider these options. If you’re a lawyer in Australia and are looking to work abroad, there is a wide variety of countries that are open to Australian lawyers. Here’s some information on where you can go:
- New Zealand
- United Kingdom
- The United States
- North America
1. World Bank and the International Monetary Fund
The World Bank and the International Monetary Fund are international financial institutions that provide loans to developing countries. Lawyers can assist with projects funded by these organizations.
2. World Trade Organization
The WTO is an international organization that helps countries trade with each other. Its mission is to promote free trade, eliminate barriers to trade and ensure that all countries are on a level playing field when it comes to international commerce.
The WTO was created in 1994 as a replacement for its predecessor, the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). The organization has 163 member states and numerous observer states and territories throughout the world. The United States of America joined the WTO in 1995, but withdrew two years later due to concerns about agricultural subsidies from other members states. It rejoined in 2019 after negotiating changes that satisfied its concerns.
3. Advisory Boards to Multinational Companies
There are numerous multinational companies that seek out the expertise of an advisory board to help them make business decisions. These boards can be made up of individuals with diverse backgrounds who bring their knowledge and experience to bear on matters of concern for the company. They may also serve as a sounding board for ideas that are being considered by senior management, or provide input into new product development programs. An advisory board’s role may vary widely depending on what is needed at any given time, but it generally involves providing advice on issues such as:
- Marketing strategies
- The impact of new technologies on the industry
- New products in development
4. Maritime Law Firms
The maritime law sector is a highly specialized field of practice. Maritime law requires extensive knowledge of ship ownership, insurance and finance as well as employment, immigration and corporate law issues that arise when working on board vessels.
It is possible to work abroad in a maritime law firm if you have the right qualifications and experience. Most employers require applicants to have completed a degree in either commerce or law followed by practical training under supervision before they are eligible for consideration.
Jobs within this sector vary greatly depending on the company or firm you work for; however, some examples include:
- Solicitors – these lawyers provide advice to their clients on all aspects of maritime practice including court appearances where necessary;
- Regulatory compliance officers – these lawyers ensure that businesses operating offshore comply with laws such as environmental protection regulations and labor laws;
- Dispute resolution specialists – these lawyers deal with disputes between parties involved in shipping activities including insurers who have refused payment due to an exclusion clause in their policy e.g., death caused by negligence.
5. International Law Firms
International law firms are the most common employers of Australian lawyers. International law firms are based in major cities around the world, such as London, New York and Hong Kong. They offer a wide variety of practice areas: corporate law, litigation and dispute resolution, intellectual property (IP), tax and regulatory work.
International law firms are able to provide an excellent work-life balance through flexible working arrangements that allow their lawyers to have time off for family or other commitments outside of work hours.
6. International Court of Justice
The International Court of Justice, or ICJ, is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. It was established in 1945 by the United Nations Charter and sits at The Hague in the Netherlands. The court deals with legal disputes submitted to it by member countries or international organizations as well as issues referred to it by other UN bodies.
The court’s 15 judges are elected by the General Assembly and Security Council – five each from a list of nominees submitted by all member states – with no limit on how many times they can be re-elected. They serve nine-year terms and may not serve more than two consecutive terms; if their term expires before an election takes place, they remain in office until their replacement is chosen.
7. United Nations
If you’re interested in helping people in developing countries, the United Nations is a good place to start. In addition to its headquarters in New York City, the UN has offices all over the world. You could work for one of these offices as a lawyer or legal advisor.
If you want to work with children, there are several UN agencies that fall under this category. Some of them are:
- UNDP (United Nations Development Programme)
- UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund)
- Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
- Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
You might also want to consider applying at an international organization that deals with issues related to human rights and humanitarian law such as:
- United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), which focuses on crime prevention;
- World Trade Organization’s Dispute Settlement Body (DSB);
- International Labor Organization (ILO); or even
- The Hague-based International Court of Justice (ICJ).
8. European Union Projects and Bodies
While the European Union has agencies and institutions that are open to applicants from many countries outside of Europe, there are also opportunities for Australians who wish to work in England. These include:
The European Court of Justice (ECJ) – The ECJ is not only one of the most powerful courts in Europe; it’s also one of the most prestigious. It is regarded as having high standards and a strong track record when it comes to legal excellence and integrity. To be eligible for a position at this institution you need excellent legal skills and experience in international law, or commercial law with specializations in consumer protection or competition law. You may also be required to speak both French and English fluently depending on your role at ECJ.
The European Court of Auditors (ECA) – This organization oversees how EU money is spent by member states for example, if they spend too much or too little. If you have an interest in public sector reform then this could be an ideal place for you. There are many positions available here ranging from research analysts through management positions all the way up into executive roles
Which Countries Can Australian Lawyers Work Overseas?
Whether you’re just getting started in your law career or looking to break into a new market, it may be time to start thinking about working overseas. Lawyers can work overseas with relative ease and there are many opportunities available for Australian lawyers in countries such as the United States, Canada and New Zealand.
Lawyers can work overseas, but what countries will accept an Australian lawyer?
There are plenty of opportunities for Australian lawyers to work overseas, but where should you go? There’s no hard and fast rule about what countries will accept an Australian lawyer, but there are some general trends. Australia has a rich history and culture that makes it a desirable place to immigrate from. Australia’s legal education system is more rigorous than most other countries’ in Asia, so in many respects an Australian lawyer will be as qualified as any other international applicant.
That said, most foreign countries value local experience over purely academic credentials when making hiring decisions. This means that if you’re looking to work abroad right away after graduation, you may want to consider one of these popular destinations: Thailand; Hong Kong; Malaysia; Vietnam; Singapore or India if your specialty allows.
If you want to work abroad later on in your career or want more time gathering experience before jumping back into law school applications again or if any of these options don’t quite fit what your preferences are consider Canada or New Zealand. These two countries both have high standards when it comes receiving applicants from abroad and allow for dual citizenship with Australia once residency has been established typically after three years.
1. United States
The US is a popular destination for Australian lawyers. There are many opportunities to work in the US, and it’s possible to find a niche by working at a large firm or in a smaller firm that focuses on specific areas of law. The US also has a large legal market, meaning there is more demand for lawyers than elsewhere.
2. New Zealand
New Zealand is a great place for lawyers to live, work, start a business and raise a family. New Zealand is an English-speaking country with a respected legal system that offers great life opportunities for Australians. The country also has low crime rates and clean air, making it an ideal place to raise children. It is also one of the most desirable places in the world to retire due to its natural beauty and relaxed lifestyle.
3. Canada
If you’re interested in practicing law overseas, Canada is a popular destination for Australian lawyers. Many large firms hire Australian lawyers who have experience working with some of the top-tier international firms in Australia.
You will need to obtain a Canadian work permit before moving to Canada. If your firm hires a Canadian lawyer on your behalf, this will be taken care of for you by your employer. If you’re looking for more information about how to get started as an expat lawyer in Canada, check out the following articles from our blog:
4. The United Kingdom
As an Australian lawyer, you’ll need to become a member of the Law Society of England and Wales (LSEW) or the Bar Council of England and Wales. You’ll also need to be a member of one of these organizations:
- The Law Society of Northern Ireland (LSNI)
- The Bar Council of Northern Ireland (BCNI)
There are opportunities to work overseas if you’re an Australian lawyer.
Working overseas can be a great opportunity for Australian lawyers. Working in Australia: In addition to all the benefits of living in your home country family and friends, familiarity with culture, working as an Australian lawyer means that your skills are highly valued by employers because they have limited access to foreign talent due to visa restrictions.
Plus, if your goal is furthering your career with an international position or an MBA program at a top university like Harvard or Stanford University in the US, then it’s likely this can be achieved while still living in Australia.
Working abroad: There are plenty of countries where it would be beneficial to deepen professional connections through networking events hosted by local law firms or associations with whom they partner on projects regularly – especially when they’re located near major cities like London England or Hong Kong China.
Living elsewhere: Some people feel like they need more adventure than what their hometown offers them so they decide not only go abroad but also leave their home country entirely. This decision may seem risky but as long as you know what type of lifestyle suits you best and which country has those kinds of amenities you won’t regret making such radical changes later on down the road when life gets harder again.”
Conclusion
So, there you have it, a quick overview of some of the best places to work as an Australian lawyer. It’s clear that there are many opportunities for Australian lawyers to work overseas, but we think that these are some of the best countries for you to consider. If you’re interested in working abroad and want more information on how it all works then check out our blog post on what qualifications do I need? or feel free to contact us directly with any questions about applying as well.
With these exciting career opportunities, it’s no wonder that so many Australian lawyers are looking to work abroad. If you have a legal background and want to see the world, then think about starting your next adventure with one of these jobs.
We hope this article has helped you understand more about the possibilities of working as an Australian lawyer overseas. It is important to do your research before applying for jobs in foreign countries, but once you have the qualifications necessary, there are many opportunities that can help expand your career prospects.
FAQs
1. What kind of jobs are there for Australian lawyers overseas?
International law firms are the most common place to work overseas for Australian lawyers. This is because they deal with a large number of expatriates who need help with their immigration matters. If you want to work in international law, you may be able to find an opportunity at one of these firms.
2. What are the requirements for working overseas for an Australian lawyer?
You need an LLB degree from a reputable university and at least two years’ experience working in a similar environment. You will also have to pass the Bar Admission Test (BAT) before being eligible for an interview with these firms.
3. Where can Australian lawyers work overseas?
Australia is a popular place for expatriate lawyers to work overseas. There are many countries that offer legal professionals with a degree in law preference when it comes to obtaining a visa and working in their country.
4. What is the process of becoming an Australian lawyer?
The process of becoming an Australian lawyer is quite simple. You will need to study the relevant courses at a university or college, after which you will be required to pass the Bar Admission Test (BAR). After this, you will have to appear for the Legal Practice Course in Australia, after which you can practice as an Australian lawyer.
5. Can I work as an international lawyer in Australia?
Yes, you can work as an international lawyer in Australia. However, it is important to note that not all foreign lawyers are eligible to practice in Australia.